Introduction
Many nations are highly concerned about the quality of health offered to their citizens because the productivity of a nation directly depends on good health. Different policies and programs have been instituted to put in to check the quality of healthcare by different states, as well as the federal government. However, there have been many arguments as to whether quality healthcare translates to reduced or increased costs of healthcare.
Definition
Quality healthcare should be safe in the sense that when patients seek medical care they are assured of maximum chances of survival (Lighter & Fair, 2004). On the same note, a quality healthcare system is characterized by timely assistance whenever needed. The logical implication is that any patient can easily get the required medical services, which are basic for life support. Furthermore, it is paramount that all citizens have equal access to healthcare from every part of the country whether rural or urban.
Additionally, quality healthcare must ensure that the right prescription, as well as diagnosis, is given to each patient. Finally, it is paramount for any quality healthcare to focus more on the patient than any other stakeholder because healthcare is all about the patient. Having read this definition, my perspective of substandard healthcare service has definitely changed.
Effects of Quality Healthcare on Cost of Healthcare
With improved healthcare, the chances of patients recovering whenever they visit a medical facility are increased. In addition, medical accidents which have led to the loss of lives in some health facilities have been avoided, making healthcare safe for everybody (Lighter & Fair, 2004). Besides increasing the confidence of people in healthcare facilities, a safe healthcare system ensures that people take minimal time to recover hence reducing the effects suffered by other economic sectors.
Moreover, quality healthcare means that drugs with dire side effects are not allowed in the market, let alone in any health facility. Consequently, patients will not have to visit doctors time and again to be treated for the side effects caused by the use of generic substandard drugs. On the same note, citizens will always have high standards of health and will therefore be more productive.
Moreover, affordable medical plans that result from quality healthcare enable people to take up insurance policies. Therefore, many citizens will be able to afford high-standard healthcare and conveniently pay for their hospital bills making the nation healthier (Lighter & Fair, 2004). Additionally, good medical covers by insurance firms have been proved to lead to the establishment of good healthcare facilities which are well equipped, further improving the services that people receive. Similarly, with good and affordable medical insurance which results from quality healthcare, more people are bound to be insured. As a result, the number of people who are able to access healthcare whenever the need arises is increased.
It is also important to note that when quality healthcare is insisted upon by all stakeholders, research into the field of health will be enhanced. Advanced technology as well as state-of-the-art equipment which enable quick and accurate diagnosis, will result from the research. On the same note, the government will also increase its budgetary allocation to the health sector, leading to the provision of exemplary services in both private and public health institutions (Lighter & Fair, 2004).
Conclusion
Good health is the most invaluable wealth a human being can ever acquire. Much as prevention is better than cure, we occasionally fall victim to one form of ailment or another that requires medical intervention. It is important to note that quality healthcare leads to a reduction in the amount of money spent in hospitals and thus reduced the cost of healthcare. However, patients have a duty of insuring themselves to ensure that they can afford health services whenever the need arises.
Reference
Lighter, D. E., & Fair, D. C. (2004). Quality Management in Health Care: Principles and Methods. Boston: Jones and Bartlett.